Advancing your career through Professional Engineering license
Thinking about taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam? Alumni talk about how it advanced their careers.
Earning a Professional Engineering (PE) license is a significant milestone in any engineer’s career. For Construction Engineering and Management students, our ABET-accredited courses create a foundation for students to be able to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam during their senior year. This tests core engineering principles and problem-solving skills, which are all taught as part of the Construction Engineering and Management coursework.
Passing the FE exam lays the groundwork for obtaining a PE license, which is required to sign and seal engineering plans and offer their services to the public, regardless of whether they are principals or employees.
"When our students take the FE exam early in thier career, or before they even graduate, it keeps them on track for professional growth while reinforcing the technical expertise learned in the classroom," said Ashley Johnson, CEM Chair. "This added certificate sets our students apart in a competitive job market and opens doors to greater career opportunities."
PE Success Stories
Sam Savoia '17
Construction Engineering and Management
"Getting a PE License allowed me to qualify for opportunities and positions that I wouldn't have been previously considered for. It provides confidence and continual education in technical practices and encourages me to remain a student of engineering. I think pursuing a PE License should be considered as an available option to bring together the knowledge you learn in school and your career in order to push the industry forward."
Fuller Ramsey '14
Civil and Environmental Engineering
"The PE license is a nationally respected credential that provides instant credibility no matter what region, industry or career path you ultimately pursue. Having my PE license in the vertical construction industry set me apart from many colleagues and I believe it has opened the doors to more interesting and challenging projects. These projects have curtailed into different career opportunities and growth. There is no better investment than an investment in yourself."
Joshua Zilke '12 '13
Construction Engineering and Management
Civil Engineering
"A PE license provides with you flexibility and opportunity in your career path. Many roles in heavy civil, infrastructure, government work, or consulting require a PE license. Although you may have an idea of where to start your career, it is wise to prepare for different paths in the years ahead. For my career growth, the PE showed my employer I was able to set my own goals, carve my own path, and achieve. It also externally reflected my Virginia Tech education and the depth of my technical knowledge base. Be the champion for your career path. Broad your horizons and invest in yourself."
Kyle Logan '14
Construction Engineering and Management
"Having a PE is truly a benefit to your career whether you decide to work on the design or contractor side of the industry. On the design side it is often mandatory to be a PE to advance your career. Without a PE and the ability to stamp designs you will struggle to be able to advance. On the contractor side it provides a level of credibility when coordinating with architects and engineers when trying to adjust the design. Having the ability to build while understanding the why behind what is on the blueprints from the engineer’s perspective provides better collaboration and ultimately leads to a better product for the owner. Careers change and priorities change as you progress through your journey. It has given me another tool in my toolbelt that and helped me communicate more effectively with the design team when I need to make changes in the field."
Kevin Bocock '96
Civil and Environmental Engineering
"Obtaining your PE license is both a mark of accomplishment to be proud of and something which can enhance your career opportunities. Not only is a PE license needed for certain roles and responsibilities in industry, but it also often is recognized with higher compensation and greater opportunities for advancement. Getting my PE license helped me advance not only in a technical capacity but also as a leader. Having my PE increased my credibility to clients and has led to opportunities to work on many different projects where a PE is required to be considered for the opportunity. The further out you get from college the more difficult it is to prepare for the FE and PE. Take advantage of the wonderful resources that Virginia Tech has to help you prepare."